Kevin O'Connell on Team's Future at QB, Impact of Final 2 Games, His Contract Status

[@ICFJAY]

A 14 win season with a QB no one believed in. Thats a win

[@sethwild9992]

a super bowl is a win not a 14 win season

[@beckham4124]

@@sethwild9992 for a team that was expected maybe 6 wins 14 wins is a win.

[@sethwild9992]

@@beckham4124 from a fan standpoint sure… this team will not be the team next year and destroyed expectations. For that locker room a 14 win team that lost in the first round of playoffs isn’t a win. And thats why this team will never win. We as fans allow owner ship to believe a successful regular season is a “win”

[@ICFJAY]

@sethwild9992 only 1 team can win the Superbowl. You rather go out first round or in the Superbowl?

[@cullendillard6696]

Four losses to two playoff teams each. This season's team overachieved in ways that few expected. This team proved that with a good plan and proper execution, lofty goals can be accomplished. They proved to be an inspiration for an entire fanbase going forward! SKOL!!!!

[@Jonathan-cz4ky]

The lofty goal of second in their division and 1st round playoff exits. Oh wow.

[@jeffreymarley6877]

Good season, I like it when fans see what they have instead of freaking out after a loss. Loved watching McConnell & Darnold this year I knew both were very capable. As a Rams fan I was sorry to see McConnell leave. Best wishes on another successful season next year.

[@BobbieLaughlin-tw1px]

I have been a fan since 1968 …through thick and thin and always will be. Even though I haven’t even been to Minnesota Love all you guys and especially KO. 😊 Just because the last two games didn’t go our way it has been an awesome year and I am proud to be a Vikings fan. ❤

[@roncapone8624]

Also been a fan since 1968. Love the Vikes despite the heartbreak they find a way to provide. Skol

[@scot-combs]

I'm thrilled with this season. I'm proud of the entire Vikings organization! What I saw this year is what makes me love the Purple! Thanks, Coach!

[@PointlessRhetoric]

really happy for you. mediocre team did mediocre things. what a fun ride. fuck winning I want to lose in heartbreaking fashion. The Vikings Way!

[@Pressure115]

@@PointlessRhetoricsorry what team did you support? Because I need to know your metrics for success. 14 wins 4 losses, only losing to 2 teams all season. We broke records, almost every game everyone expected us to lose we won, had a crazy win streak, were contenders for the 1 seed, and you say we failed? Interesting.

[@scot-combs]

@@PointlessRhetoric Your name says it all. You can be ignored.

[@PointlessRhetoric]

@Pressure115 we lost the two most important games by three tds. Organize your brain cells

[@Btwixed]

​@Pressure115 why anyone would be happy with getting embarassed on national TV twice in a row is insane 😂

[@kevinbalcer8957]

We had a great season it was fun.

[@jlg001]

Coach O'Connell has built an amazing culture. Every player I have listened to in interviews mentions how 1-of-1 this year's team was. Amazing job. And yet, those four games we lost this season fit the same mold: unrelenting pressure threw Sam off rhythm, and their very skilled QBs decoded, diced and exploited our defensive schemes. If we want to win those critical games against those very tough opponents (which are not only good teams, but also good teams who can neutralize us on both sides of the ball), we need a stronger interior OL, a D front 4 able to dial up pressure without requiring so much scheming and stunting or extra blitzers as a permanent feature. And most importantly, we need to be more nimble in making game-time adjustments when the opposing team's schemes neutralize our original game plans.

[@ByronRodriguez87]

Expected to win 6-7 games and won 14 with a top 10 offense and defense. Coach of the year!

[@mrsdtravels]

😂

[@UberVike]

And then slaughtered with a chance to get 1 seed. Then slaughtered to a 10-7 team first round. Not coach of the year lol

[@allend5399]

​@@mrsdtravels your emoji is weak.

[@InfiniteHaters]

Nah those 2 dans got a better chance especially w how the last 2 weeks went.

[@flaviosalastoriz6432]

@@UberVikeholy Mr negative ur life if fk sad 😭 no wonder this a poverty fan base

[@gerardolby4523]

Ko is a unique and a special coach and deserves a new contract

[@timsmoley1556]

Congrats to KOC and the Vikings nation as a whole on a great season. It will be better next season...SKOL!!!

[@keithjenkins1667]

I hope to see KOC around in Vikings Purple for a long time

[@jadude119]

We love ya coach. This sucks, but I believe you're going to grow into the coach we know you can be! Praying for ya man! Thanks for being our head coach!

[@edwardcorey1071]

Yep learn from these hiccups

[@jadude119]

@@edwardcorey1071 Yes!

[@KennyCutler-q1z]

As a lifelong, hardcore vikes fan from the north, I agree it was a surprising year but after 50 years of teasing for a Superbowl, It's killing me! A good record isn't enough anymore

[@VicariousNickk]

As bad as those last 2 games were, we still had a 14 win season without our star QB. Words cannot describe my excitement for next season with J.J.!

[@CartoonNation01]

Just no more Sam after those last two games please 🙏

[@awesome_pi_guy]

The rams game was more of an oline thing then a sam thing, but I agree

[@jeffquesenberry2769]

You people......JJ is a bust. Wait and see.

[@Pressure115]

@@awesome_pi_guyyeah totally. I seen how they had him at gunpoint to not throw the ball and run away backwards and set new records for yards lost due to sacks.

[@BillJimison]

@@CartoonNation01 Give Sam a break. He's been playing injured with that pinky splint on his right hand for 3 weeks.

[@christianjoshua6706]

Vikings forever ✊🏼

[@Mic-Purple-Husker]

I think we did far beyond amazing this season and the coaches actually coached up players to maximize their performances. Now we once again have the opportunity to fix some areas we are lacking. I have faith NOW that the organization will attack those shortcomings this off-season. This franchise is in the best shape TOP TO BOTTOM that I can recall in my lifetime as a fan. Let’s finally go get it gentlemen!!!

[@robe2504]

100%

[@extendedclips]

Coach of the Year! Vikings Faithful ✊🏽🤲🏽

[@TheEasyriderman]

Are you insane?

[@extendedclips]

@ No

[@TheEasyriderman]

@@extendedclips KOC is weak and too soft as a head coach. He will never win the Super Bowl with the Vikings. I guarantee it.

[@zacosness1095]

Fix the trenches and put in some hot routes and let the qb know it’s ok to throw that hot route if there’s pressure.

[@Johnny_Sobczak]

He had quick routes. Hot routes. Darnold refused to throw it. If he did, he missed. Multiple missed screen passes vs. Rams.

[@ryanschreiner8]

bingo!

[@MrDoodah]

Going on 2 decades of poor oline

[@kargs5krun]

@@MrDoodah Hutch was best interior FA addition; not sure who'd top the OT addition, be it draft or FA acquisition.

[@MrDoodah]

@@kargs5krun no idea

[@DavidSmith-db1mk]

I feel the Vikings have the right Coach, the right culture alot of the right players Hope it continues with adding the right players on both the Offensive and Defensive lines the games are won in the trenches ! Skol !

[@huanweili7699]

I'm a vikings fan for 25 years and I didn't think we would have won many games as we did this year. 14 wins have never crossed my mind when JJ Mccarthy went down. I thought the vikings was done and probably would win 7 out of 16 games. Vikings won 14 out of 16 and it was the best season ever. Only one team will come out of the 14 teams with the win of the superbowl who entered the post-season. It's not easy to be the final team to win it all. I'm just happy vikings had a great season and not the other way around like the Jets and the Giants. KoC is the best coach vikings will ever have.

[@rfahy72]

I don't know if KOC will be the best of all time because there was Bud Grant but he may someday if he gets us a sb win.

[@YouKnow-m4i]

​@rfahy72 whatever coach gives is that SB will be the GOAT in fans eyes. You're right😊

[@allend5399]

Hard way to go out. Skol vikings skol family . Respect to the Lions and Rams

[@Oni1975]

Stronger next year, Kevin. Correct our mistakes, address our weaknesses, improve our strengths, and come up with more fresh ideas to be even better in 2025.

[@cowboypatriot6052]

Anyone who thinks this was a bad season, team, or coach, doesn't know football. No team can exceed all expectations but the Vikings came close this year and I'm greatful for this amazing year!

[@hunniebe6]

They were favored to beat the Rams, genius.

[@Steve-y5p]

Close doesn’t mean a darn thing.

[@rexrogers1859]

​@@hunniebe6And Eyore has entered the chat....

[@ruccmusicdirector]

​@@hunniebe6 You're missing the point

[@jstan7321]

Great season Sam folded the last 2 game tho

[@sandyhawkins9279]

The Lions and the Rams used physicality to upend the Vikings, and the Vikings have got be a tough physical team if they want to win.

[@jacobhron4054]

Great season coach it was awesome watching it throughout the year the team did a lot better than most people expected. I'm looking forward to next year go vikings

[@Nick-Tex41]

SKOL baby let’s get it! Will be back next year better and stronger 💪🏼

[@jakemayer6486]

Minnesota nice will always be good enough for most Minnesota fans

[@WhyFacetattoos]

Not now that I'm in the steel industry I hate good enough

[@skinfluithero4885]

Build the interior o line in free agency and pick up a rb and a corner in the draft and we should be solid as long as jj turned out

[@MyName-yl2nc]

Skattaboo we need him

[@robe2504]

@@MyName-yl2nc Kaleb Johnson might be a better bet. Gibbs has destroyed the Vikes with speed, and it might be time to see how they handle that coming back at them.

[@zay7443]

@@MyName-yl2ncyes we do with a speed back so we can have a 1-2 punch

[@gerrysmith4493]

Thanks coach for a great year!! Wow what a team hope we can hold them all together!!😁😁😁

[@Thelukeswanson]

KOC said his name, Judd!

[@haku7335]

New Vikings fan here. Preach, king! SKOL

[@bizzwoofer]

The JJ era has begun?!?! Let it be so!!!

[@allend5399]

Hoping so. I just pulled a jj Mccarthy rookie card yesterday . Not worth much. But I was stoked

[@allend5399]

Skol vikings skol family 💪. Respect to the Lions and Rams

[@RippinPacks4you]

​@@allend5399 I collect the vikings...nice pull🎉🎉🎉

[@robe2504]

Did you miss Kwesi's presser? Kwesi stressed how it was great to have many options at the most important position - many, not one. Might pay to hold you horses until Feb 20th.

[@theguythatcouldfly]

Coach had messages of "1-0" and "being our best when the best is required" all season. In the end the team didn't rise to those challenges. It will be interesting to hear what his messaging will be next season. It should be something like "welcome the pressure" and "a commitment to being elite."

[@Twyscape]

The best thing about the end of the season is that Vikings merch is on sale. SKOL

[@SkinBear1]

Fun year! Excited for next season!

[@jeremycagle19]

Love the Purple! 💜 Rough ending but a fantastic season! SKOL

[@allend5399]

Agreed

[@DVega-b1q]

Interior line both sides of the ball

[@troyhernandez805]

-Let Sam walk -invest in offensive line -let someone else make the offensive play calls, especially in big games -retain Brain Flores if possible -invest in RB, retain Jones cheaper if possible -invest time in a west coast offense operation for JJ, you have to protect the future in case games like this happen again (JJ was well known for taking what’s given to him, keep the defense in their heels, check out his national championship tape, he made some big throws on 3rd down, this is the difference between Sam and JJ, JJ can make the vital throws in big situations to keep offense on the field)

[@Circenn]

Most of the Michigan games JJ handed it off. Lmao you don't want to compare JJ to Darnold. You're just a casual. Also anyone can tell you college tape means nothing in the NFL. Let me help your memory. JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Johnny Manziel. All were great in college. NFL was garbage.

[@hammerpocket]

@@Circenn So which is it? Are we judging JJ for what he did in college or does college tape mean nothing? I'll trust KOC that what he saw on tape AND the entire 2024 off-season convinced him that JJ can be an NFL franchise QB.

[@DS-jh1bp]

SKOL! Great year, despite the ending! Team appeared to have such a solid bond and outstanding leadership!

[@raymondhoagland4976]

Good year coach, looking forward to next year and the pieces that will be added to the roster !

[@ByronRodriguez87]

34-17 in 3 years and some people are complaining. 😂

[@Garyisgud]

0-2 when it matters most, there's no trophy for regular season buddy.

[@Chromono22]

@@Garyisgudand it took campbell until his third season to get a winning record, and his first playoff win was last year. It isn’t instant.

[@leonardewonchuk897]

Not complaining yet. Dude might be the best coach in the league. But no playoff wins will only be acceptable so much longer. Gotta be next year or the complaining will be just

[@Garyisgud]

​@@Chromono22that's nothing more than a silly excuse

[@ByronRodriguez87]

@@leonardewonchuk897 Andy Reid only had 1 playoff win in his first 5 years with the Chiefs. It all depends on JJ McCarthy.

[@chrisoconnor7176]

Great season!! We are going in the right direction!!

[@gorlynmortenson7969]

Same O Same O !!!

[@mortgageboxermom]

From a rams fan he’s a great coach and you’ll win a super bowl with him. Like McVay, you just have to have the right QB but you all Have a strong QB room. And actually I like Daniel Jones too, I think he was stuck in a bad system.

[@MrBeckPJ]

I tip my cap to you, sir.

[@chadharris7988]

It was a very exciting season. Thank you so much Vikings. Please extend KOC and FLO. Love our coaches

[@fuelee1794]

Vikings front office better start looking into the damn Oline! Draft em, pick em up if FA, or trade!

[@tavius88]

Been saying this for years

[@fuelee1794]

​@@tavius88yep I'm on the same ship as you about Vikings needing to beef up the oline.

[@Circenn]

They need pass protection. Especially considering Hitman will be retiring soon.

[@LadyBirch]

I just remember how excited we all were with JJ McCarthy and then I’m getting injured and everybody’s hopes were lost. The league didn’t give us much hope to begin with even with JJ McCarthy, but then after that we were expected to be a losing team all year. Nobody had faith in Sam Darnold. But look, we won 14 games the losses at the end are always the worst and every single team has losses at the end of the year. We are no different and we are not the only team that hasn’t gone and won the Super Bowl!!! I am grateful and thankful for all the entertainment and wins that we get and I’ve been offense since 1971 and I will continue to be a fan whether they win the Super Bowl or not. We are damn lucky to even have an NFL team. A lot of states don’t and if it’s a roller coaster it’s the only one that I’m gonna ride I’m grateful and thankful for the Wilfs and the entire Vikings, organization and team and coach coaches. Also, I do think they need to get rid of one of the offensive line coaches. And they need to make sure.Flores develops a better strategy when his current strategy is not working and maybe not be so transparent to other teams now because I think they have them figured out. He needs to be more creative and O’Connell if he says he’s gonna make changes and adjustments and he better make sure that he does it going after two losses and saying the same exact thing with no change doesn’t work. I know that recently I heard that Darnold just couldn’t make the changes that KOC had made with plays the back up quarterback maybe that will give him a jolt.

[@CarlCooper-o3n]

We need a good offensive line and also the defensive tackle

[@purpleskoldude]

Appreciate our coach so much. #1Right Guard #2 Left Guard #3 A Big Fat DT. Congratulations to Sam but I am really looking forward to seeing our coach and J.J. McCarthy build something special together. Till next year. This one stings a little bit but as always SKOL!

[@megandorsey6266]

It's not how we wanted to end, but I appreciate all you did for our team this year, Coach! The future is very bright and I am thankful you and Kwesi are at the helm. SKOL!💜💛💜

[@carolwilson6902]

Great job kevin

[@FoundDanielLost]

My coach, my team, my gjhallarhorn heart is loud. SKOL VIKINGS!

[@fall-out]

If we dont sign this man to a very long contract its really going to question the ownerships commitment to winning Kevin O'Connell is the only answer to coach our team!

[@masonwilkes7000]

Prob the most fun I've had watching the vikings the end was disappointing but non the less still a fun season

[@dpmeyer4867]

Two of the last three seasons were great fun to watch

[@CSNA_Gaming]

If KOC is gone for any reason other than death, I will be so mad.

[@Procur3]

Bummer on this season but the future is extremely bright. Vikings in the super bowl in 2 years.

[@wildrice-h5d]

Thank you for a great season. The Vikings should not have to apologize for a 14-3 winning season. Let’s not crucified Sam Darnold, the O line or any Viking players. They did something right to win 14 games. Let’s hope for another winning and playoff 2025 season 🤞

[@IggyBing]

Last two games stunk, no doubt, and a lot of it was on KOC's play calling. But you don't can a guy who's only two losses were to tes that made the 2nd round of the playoffs. No doubt he has homework to do, and he knows it. He's a great motivator and has earned the opportunity to keep growing in MN. Skol! My biggest worry is that Flo is probably gone: with 'his guys' via free agency, the D was at times awesome to watch. If he leaves those guys might go with him, leaving them with a total rebuild on D. That's concerning.

[@DavidFeneck]

Good season coach Koc we had many great wins good bunch players stood up proud of ya good luck in 2025!

[@eviscerations]

i can't speak to fan expectations, but as someone in their mid-40s, who has seen a lot of stuff through the years with this team - the last years of bud grant, jerry burns, gary anderson, 41-0 vs the giants, favre, the end of favre, teddy, case, the mistake of the cousins contract, etc etc - it's hard as i get older to get too optimistic each year, and now i just hope that we're competitive rather than saying 'oh i think we'll win x number of games', and just hope for an entertaining and competitive team each year. i still love sam, and a lot of the guys on this team, but most aren't going to be here in the 2025 season, which is a harsh reality of this league. hopefully we can bring a lot of these guys back, as we don't have a lot of draft picks, we could use another stellar free agent period from kwesi. i'll continue to hope the vikings win just one before i die. i wish we could've gotten there this year. i hope that randy moss makes it to next year to see us give it another run, as my mom didn't make it for this one. cancer is terrible, so i hope for all the vikings fans who are on a ticking clock as well, i hope next year is our year. skol vikes

[@colo493]

14 wins with a first year QB is crazy but our coach made it happen yes we lost to 2 of the same teams let Sam stay he knows the team well one or 2 more years get him a better OL with experience in big games and run back again

[@matthewlangowski6398]

"Sam, wow what a year!... Although I set you up for failure these last two games...you had a hell of a year...good luck to you young man."😊

[@robertorivera9539]

This is what’s wrong with most of our fan base settling for having a great regular season. fuck that! We want SB

[@Score1more]

Congratulations Kevin and Thank you from a long time die hard fan

[@rfahy72]

I don't care about all this criticism of k o c he's a great coach

[@clintonmakela5511]

It was a fun season! Who would of thought of 14 wins without J.J. great job!

[@Skolphers]

Better not be letting Kevin leave. This man is going to bring us a championship.

[@JustinColburn]

Loved Darnold for what he accomplished this year but at the same time I’ve been waiting for JJ since he was drafted!

[@deebee5196]

This guy will win the vikes a Super Bowl!!!!!

[@estevan3931]

Minnesota did great the only thing we haven’t been able to do is win a playoff game

[@Raggy4201]

Best coach and defense coaching keep both let’s get a ol and running back

[@zzzaxs]

If anyone said at the beginning we would win 14 games…we would all take it. Amazing year

[@Nodaysoff24_]

KOC is building something special. It won’t be long Vikings fans. We’re getting that first Superbowl win.

[@dave3156]

KOC is a class act and best in the business

[@RowdyLpx]

Block out the noise and keep working my brother. Things have yet to begin for you here in Minnesota.

[@cade7458]

Coach of the year. Sam dropped the ball though. Defense clearly is the only reason we stuck in games this season

[@michaeltollen588]

MN needs a better offensive line. It's the weak point. And a power running back.

[@hartlessone0311]

Hey coach, this coming from a LIFE LONG Vikings fan. I wasn’t surprised that we fell apart last 2 games, I’m used to being let down by the Vikings teams throughout the last 50 years, BUT it’s time coach jesus Mary and Joseph it’s time for Vikings fans to have some actual complete seasons. This year wasn’t a success, win an actual playoff game and maybe just maybe we can have successful season. Set bar higher Coach. SKOL

[@ZedThirtyOne_Z31_]

And don't go MIA every single game. Win properly.

[@anthonyleydens]

Love ya koc! Stay blessed up and looking forward to next yr. Build a bully on o line please and get em next yr

[@Bluboy30]

Great work this year coach but maybe design some short and slant plays when your QB and O-line aren't playing well in a game for next season?

[@ZedThirtyOne_Z31_]

That's "Culture" for you Kev.

[@ericfonck]

Thank god. Contract talk: “I do.”

[@alta58043]

Draft O line or it doesn't matter who is playing QB. That interior is brutal and should just start over.

[@Circenn]

Reilly and Darrisaw need to be healthy. The top protection pair in the division.

[@pvrpleheff]

We love u koc this will be a great season booked it !!! Skolllll 😤😈

[@mimi4664]

Awesome season. Too bad it ended like it did. I'm heartbroken, but I'm a loyal fan for life!!

[@gazman2769]

Agree with all the comments but being a vikings fan is tough knowing we always choke or have bad luck in the playoffs

[@phil.2345]

KOC's brass leaked the trade rumors and your season tanked ever since LMAO!

[@lynnkirk396]

shake it off coach it will be better next year so put a smile on your face because you went beyond expectation. skol Vikings

[@Stelletti]

KOC is now on the hotseat for next season. No team in NFL history has won 13 games and lost in the first round. He did that. No team in NFL history has also won 14 games and lost in the first round. He also did that.

[@foxilator4778]

Well most teams that win 13 or 14 games start their postseason at home, sometimes even on a bye. I'm not a Vikings fan, but you guys should be damn happy with that season, early exit or not.

[@robe2504]

I think he's just about to get a 4 year contract extension. That doesn't seem too hot. What might warm up the seat is putting JJ out there before he's ready, or maybe JJ just not being the guy, but we probably won't know that until 2026.

[@Iskall_Loki]

In game adjustments is something this man needs to work on. Other than that, he’s my coach of the year. SKOL

[@Tony-zx8ju]

This coach truly cares about this team and this organization. Extend him.

[@JohnKan-uo7ne]

Vikings and KOC has overachieved in 2024? They were expected to win 7 games and KOC and the Vikings won 14! Doubled the expectations. Win the Super Bowl not just advance in the playoffs offs. KOC and the Vikings should be proud instead criticizing unnecessarily!

[@Stelletti]

Thats not how it works. Expectations mean zero. What does mean something is that no team in NFL history has had a first round bounce out with 13 or 14 wins. KOC now has both dubious accomplishments.

[@robe2504]

100%.

[@robe2504]

@@Stelletti It is exactly how it works. You start at the beginning and work to get better, You get knocked down, you get up and go again. You are reveling in the negative, like every snowflake. Many great players and coaches had tough starts to their careers. As someone pointed out - Andy Reid had 5 seasons with the Chiefs before he won a playoff game.

[@AnthonyEdwards555]

Thank you KOC for the awesome year. Now please extend Sam and let’s run it back in 2026.

[@marcjohn9404]

They need to make sure KOC is the head coach for many years, get a deal done!

[@clintonreisig]

We need an O LINE massive upgrade

[@zebrazulutd]

I wish a coach could just say Sam crapped the bed and now the door that was slammed on JJ,s face is back open again . In my mind if healthy JJ & Drake Maye will be prime time game managers moving forward into 2025 . Darnold 40 million yeah NO !

[@jadude119]

ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN ONE DAY OR SEASON

[@robertcentofanti6606]

I got worms.

[@kevinbalcer8957]

Great team and coaches. It just needs to final touches.

[@kevinray5636]

Vikings must strengthen the O line and get a bulldozer Running Back. Then the Defense can blitz all they want and take away the quick throw routes.

[@michaelstusiak5902]

Nice question, Juddley